I hate to say it

First, the good F news. Justice Minister Kiri Allan is going to take a hard look at New Zealand's name suppression laws.

- CHRIS FINLAYSON

 In recent years, there has been a concern expressed about the way high-profile sports people and others can obtain name suppression. A poor South Aucklander up on a charge finds it much harder, if not impossible. I agree there is at least a perception of unfairness with the current law and I applaud her announcement.

I am, however, concerned about the bad news. She has also revived the prospect of hate-speech legislation.

The UN defines hate speech as "offensive discourse targeting a group or an individual based on inherent characteristics and that may threaten social peace". (I am surprised the UN didn't add this qualification: "Except for anti-Semitic raving against Jews in the General Assembly and other UN organs", which it seems to find perfectly acceptable.) The royal commission set up to inquire into the Christchurch terrorist attack has already discussed this issue in some detail and concluded there is a case for reform.